Rafael Nadal has clear warning for next generation of tennis stars at Australian Open

Rafael Nadal has warned the next generation of tennis stars that matching the accomplishments of himself, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic “will not be easy”.

The 36-year-old started his Australian Open defence with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over 21-year-old Brit Jack Draper today. The World No 2 has refused to answer questions on the timing of his retirement as the Spaniard continues to chase Grand Slam titles.

Last year Federer retired after winning 20 Grand Slam crowns while fellow veteran of the game Djokovic has major 21 crowns to his name. The next generation are starting to come through with 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz winning the US Open last season and is current No 1.

Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Nick Kyrgios and Felix Auger-Aliassime are also amongst the new generation challenging for major honours. But Nadal doubts whether they can match the accomplishments of himself, Djokovic and Federer.

“That can happen (matching their titles), yes. Why not? But at the same time never happened in the past. (It) will not be easy that happens two generations in a row.

“That’s just putting the logical perspective on the room, no? They are super good. They’re going to have amazing careers. They’re going to win slams. They’re going to win a lot of tournaments, yes.

“Some of them, I can’t be sure, but I’m almost sure not two players of this generation (are) going to achieve 20, 21, and 22 Grand Slams.

“If someone can reach that number, maybe, it’s going to be difficult, they have a lot of things to do in front. But you never know what can happen.”

Federer retired in September after an emotional Laver Cup farewell with Nadal and Djokovic by his side. Asked at the time whether he could emulate the Swiss star by playing beyond 40, Nadal expressed doubts after injuries hampered his 2022 season despite coming away with two major titles.

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He said: “It looks difficult, honestly, but at the same time, when I was 28 or 29, for me was super difficult to imagine myself playing at the age of 36, and here we are – In a high position on the ranking and being competitive. You never know what can happen.

“It always depends on different facts. Some of them you are able to control, and others you don’t have the chance to control.”

Nadal will continue his Australian Open campaign in the second round against American Mackenzie McDonald on Wednesday.